How to Pipe Water to and from a Closet Washer

Decide what type of supply pipes you want to use. Copper, CPVC and PEX are all viable options and connect the same using compression press-to-fit fittings. It's best to select the same type of pipes that are already used in the rest of your plumbing system.

Shut off the water supply to the house by turning the main shutoff valve 90-degrees clockwise.

Place a 1/2-inch coupler over the end of the supply pipe for cold water that you want to run to the washing machine. Press the coupler firmly onto the pipe until you hear it snap into place. There are no glues, clamps or soldering needed with these types of fittings.

Press another section of pipe into the other side of the coupler until it snaps into place. Continue attaching couplers and pipes until you reach the area around the washing machine. Repeat the process with the hot-water line until it reaches the area around the washer.

Place pipe clamps around each of the supply lines every 5 feet and gently tap the included nails into a wall stud along the pipes, if available. The clamps hold the pipes in place and prevent them from shifting and knocking against the wall as water pressure changes.

Cut the last section of pipes with a hacksaw or pipe cutters so they stop just above the back of the washing machine. This is where you install the control box.

Place a washing machine ball valve on top of each side of the supply pipes and press down until they snap into place. Make sure the openings face the washer.

Place a washing machine control-box cover around the ball valves if desired. A cover adds a finished look and helps keep the pipes from banging together.

Thread the cold and hot water lines from the washing machine to the respective ball valves. Tighten the nuts on the supply lines with an adjustable pair of pliers.

Locate an existing gravity drain pipe nearest to the washing machine. Drain pipes are usually made out of black ABS pipe.

Mark the drain pipe with a pencil or marker and measure 5 inches down the pipe. Make a second mark at that point.

Cut out the pipe where you marked to create an opening for a Y-fitting.

Apply a layer of ABS cement to the inside of both ends of a Y-fitting. Slip the fitting over one end of the drain pipe and gently pull back on the fitting and the other end of the drain pipe to slip the Y-fitting over the second end of the cut pipe. Make sure the angled end of the Y-fitting is pointed toward the washer. Allow the cement to dry for 30 minutes.

Apply a layer of ABS cement to the inside of the angled opening in the Y-fitting and slip a section of ABS pipe into the fitting. Cut off the end of the pipe so it sits about one foot behind the washer.

Apply ABC cement to a U-fitting and place it on the end of the cut ABS pipe. Apply ABS cement to the inside of the other end of the U-fitting and place a section of ABS pipe into it. Cut the other end of the ABS pipe so it stops just above the top of the washing machine.

Thread the drain line from the back of the washing machine into the ABS pipe. This is where the water will drain.

Allow the ABS fittings to dry overnight before testing the washer.